Sunday, May 9, 2010

Unconditional

Today is Mother's Day. I woke up early, grabbed my mobile and called my mother in the Philippines. I blurted out, Happy Mother's Day, Ma. She laughed and thanked me and said that she hopes that she will still be given more chance to celebrate Mother's Day. Of course, I re-assured her but I immediately changed the topic as not really into this kind of conversation. It’s a habit of mine to call her every Sunday.

Unconditional is my description to a mother’s love. Actually, it is beyond words and no adjective can aptly describe it.

A few years ago, I was in Cambodia and this picture melted my heart. Against the heat and waves, this young mother is trying to paddle safely her child. At first glance, I thought this was wrong, but after thinking deeply, I asked myself what if it was a case of emergency and that she must transport her child to a clinic or hospital and that this was only her way of doing it.

In Japan, I saw a news clip about omiai. One of the issues tackled was how mothers of single Japanese convened or assembled, carrying resumés and photos of her sons and daughters hoping that she could find the perfect match for her child. This is still practiced in Japan.

Just from two examples I mentioned above, a mother’s love is really unfathomable. As I said, earlier it is beyond words.

As you celebrate this day, don’t be embarrassed to express your love to your mother. A simple I LOVE YOU, MA is way greater than any material thing you can give. Happy Mothers’ Day to all the mothers in the world.